Next Steps For State Library Victoria’s Vision

August 5, 2017

Works are about to kick off on State Library Victoria’s Vision 2020 project, with Built construction group appointed as head contractor for the $88.1 million redevelopment.

Vision 2020 will transform Australia’s oldest public library, opening up 40 per cent more space for public use, including reopening and restoring the majestic Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and the historic Russell Street entrance.

It will also create dynamic new spaces for children and families, teenagers, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Built was selected from a shortlist of four companies and has a strong history of delivering projects in constrained central business district locations, having previously worked on projects such as Canberra’s Australian War Memorial, Sydney’s State Theatre and the Melbourne GPO Building.

At the peak of work Built expects to employ 140 workers on site.

Australasian design firm Architectus with leading Scandinavian architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen have developed the designs for the redevelopment, which is due for completion in 2020.

The Andrews Labor Government has funded $60.4 million of the $88.1 million redevelopment with the remainder sourced from philanthropic donations.

Work is expected to begin on site later this month.

Quotes attributable toMinister for Creative Industries Martin Foley

“Our State Library is not only the oldest and busiest in the country, it is also the most forward thinking. This transformational project will open up a wide range of new opportunities for Victorians.”

“The project re-imagines the role of a public library and will ensure the building, and its activities, meet the needs of the next generation. We’re looking forward to the next stage getting underway.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allan

‘Built have the skills and experience to deliver this challenging project, which will transform the State Library and create well over 100 jobs.”

“The project will be delivered in stages so that the Library can remain open with minimal disruption throughout construction – which will be no mean feat given more than 5,000 people use the library every day.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of State Library Victoria Kate Torney

“I’m delighted that construction can begin on our Vision 2020 redevelopment with the appointment of Built.”

“Built have a strong track record of working with complex heritage sites, and I’m confident that throughout the construction period, they will help us maintain our excellent standards of operation whilst transforming the State Library into a library for the future.”

Ministerial Office

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Martin Foley MP acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.